Data Depiction and Graphing Fundamentals

Vocabulary flashcards covering methods of data depiction, chart types, table formatting guidelines, and graphing axes conventions.

Data depiction

The visual or structured presentation of research data to make patterns, trends, and relationships easily understandable.

Charts

Visual representations of data sets used to compare variables, track changes over time, or show distributions.

Bar charts

A type of chart used to compare distinct categories or discrete groups.

Line graphs

A type of chart used to show trends or continuous changes over time.

Scatter plots

A type of chart used to evaluate relationships or correlations between two continuous variables.

Pie charts

A type of chart used to display parts or proportions of a whole.

Histograms

A type of chart used to show the frequency distribution of a continuous dataset.

Ordinate

The vertical axis on a graph, universally referred to as the y-axis.

Abscissa

The horizontal axis on a graph, universally referred to as the x-axis.

Independent variable

The factor manipulated, controlled, or selected by the researcher (e.g., time, concentration, dosage), reserved for the x-axis (abscissa).

Dependent variable

The measured outcome or response that changes because of the independent variable, reserved for the y-axis (ordinate).

Proper table representation

Labeling columns and rows clearly with descriptive headings, including units of measurement in headers, formatting data consistently (e.g., matching decimal places), and providing a concise title above the table.